Iceland in winter is a study in contrasts: snow-covered lava fields stretch into the horizon, waterfalls freeze mid-cascade, and the Northern Lights shift silently above windswept roads. For those traveling by campervan, this beauty comes with its own set of challenges. Road surfaces vanish beneath black ice, daylight hours shrink to a narrow window, and highland passes close without warning.
Weather patterns shift quickly, gusts can push a vehicle sideways, and whiteouts erase the path ahead. This guide offers direct, no-nonsense advice for driving safely, staying warm, and planning effectively while exploring Iceland by campervan in its coldest months.
Read more about Iceland’s untamed beauty in Iceland Adventure Guide.
Know the Conditions Before You Go
Icelandic winter transforms every drive into a dynamic experience shaped by unpredictable conditions. Black ice can form even on seemingly dry roads, snowdrifts may obscure lanes, and whiteouts reduce visibility in an instant.
Wind gusts, particularly in open areas and high passes, demand continuous steering control. Winter daylight hours compress your travel window; expect long stretches of twilight and darkness, which affect both visibility and energy management in the campervan. Road status often varies by region: coastal routes remain accessible longer, while mountain roads and highlands close early and may remain closed for the season.
Before departure and throughout your trip, check three official resources: umferdin.is for live road conditions, vedur.is for meteorological forecasts, and safetravel.is for alerts, route viability, and travel guidance. These tools act as your trip’s real-time framework; refresh them frequently, especially before heading into rural or elevated areas.
When navigating Iceland’s icy backroads and unpredictable winter weather, the vehicle you choose matters. CampEasy provides campervans specifically equipped for cold-weather travel, featuring studded tires, independent heating systems, and real-time road condition support, making it one of the most reliable options for winter driving in Iceland.
Choose the Right Campervan Setup
Choose a campervan setup that supports winter travel both on the road and overnight. Look for features and gear that maintain warmth, traction, and self-sufficiency in remote areas:
- 4×4 drive with studded winter tires for grip on icy, uneven terrain
- Built-in heating systems that operate while driving and when parked
- Thermal insulation: interior lining or custom window covers to retain heat
- Essential safety gear on board:
- Ice scraper and snow brush for windshield clearing
- Shovel for snow removal around tires or entry points
- Jump leads in case of battery drain in freezing temps
- Extra fuel canister for emergencies
- Thermal blankets and a reliable headlamp
- Portable power bank or car charger for phones and devices
Vehicle choice directly affects road access, overnight warmth, and how well you handle delays or isolation during storms. Prepare the camper as both a means of transport and shelter.
Adjust Your Driving Behavior
Driving in Iceland during winter requires a shift in habits. Speed must drop well below summer norms, even when the road appears clear. Ice can remain invisible until braking fails or steering slips. The following distance should extend far beyond what feels familiar, giving room for slow stops and sudden obstacles.
On descents or icy slopes, low gear provides more control than relying solely on brakes. Exposed stretches, such as bridges, fjord crossings, or open plains, are vulnerable to wind gusts that can push your vehicle sideways without warning.
Cruise control interferes with the subtle adjustments needed for winter traction, so manual control stays essential throughout the journey. Every action behind the wheel needs to account for road texture, light levels, and the shifting grip beneath the tires.
Fuel, Power, and Overnight Tips
Fuel access thins out in rural Iceland, especially in the Westfjords, the East, and inland areas, where gas stations may be hours apart or closed during storms. Keeping the tank above half isn’t just a precaution; it’s a way to stay mobile when reroutes or delays become unavoidable.
Running out of fuel in winter conditions can turn minor setbacks into safety issues, especially when roads close without warning or when visibility drops too low to continue. Cold weather also puts pressure on your campervan’s battery systems. Heating, lighting, phone charging, and appliances draw significant power overnight, particularly in sub-zero conditions.
To reduce strain, use energy selectively: lower the heat setting once the van is warm, charge devices while driving, and avoid leaving lights on for longer than necessary.
Where you park overnight matters; always position the front of the campervan facing the road so you can pull out through fresh snow or after a night of drifting. Reversing into deep snow or tight spots can be time-consuming and energy-consuming, especially in low light.
Ensure exhaust vents are clear of snow, ice, or debris before turning on heating systems; blocked vents can cause hazardous gas buildup or restrict airflow. When possible, choose campsites with power hookups.
These locations provide consistent electricity for heaters and batteries, eliminating the risk of overnight drain and enabling full recharges after long driving days. Winter travel in Iceland rewards those who plan fuel, power, and parking like clockwork.
When to Stop and Reroute
Iceland’s weather can shift quickly from manageable to unsafe, and recognizing when to stop is part of responsible winter travel. Blowing snow often reduces visibility in seconds, creating disorientation even on well-marked roads. If visibility drops below 100 meters, continuing may put you and others at risk, especially on narrow or coastal routes with limited shoulder space.
Signs marked “Impassable” indicate that the road ahead has been assessed as unsafe due to snow depth, ice, or storm conditions. Wind strength may also render open roads dangerous for campervans, which are more vulnerable to side gusts.
Locals and rescue authorities treat conditions seriously, and their advice, especially from SafeTravel or on-the-ground operators, should shape your decisions. Rigid itineraries don’t suit Icelandic winters. Stay flexible, expect changes, and let safety determine your schedule, not the desire to reach a specific destination.
Sights missed during a storm can be enjoyed another day; getting stuck or stranded could mean waiting hours for help in freezing temperatures. The smartest travelers know when to stop, reassess, and reroute.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
